If your company allows you to use instant messaging to communicate with coworkers you should be happy. This is a good way to increase efficiency, while also giving you some relief from phone calls and face to face meetings. But at the same time, you need to remember that it is your job to stay on task. Yes, instant messaging is a huge benefit but at the same time it can begin to hold you back if you are not careful.

Simply put, you do not want your productivity and efficiency to slow down because you are relying on instant messaging more than ever before. Instead, you should use this tool to your advantage.

You don’t want to give your boss any reason to tell you to stay away from instant messaging. This is a great way to communicate with others, but only if you are using it for good.

These tips are sure to keep you on track:

1. Only use instant messaging to communicate for work related purposes. If you have something else to say pick up the phone, or better yet, wait until break time.

2. If you are busy, put up an away message. This will keep others from disturbing you while you are trying to get your work done. At the same time, they can still leave messages if need be.

If you are using an instant messaging program at work you are taking the proper steps towards better interoffice communication. Just make sure that this does not interfere with getting your work done.

Chris Bibey is a freelance writer and social media expert with more than seven years of experience. Chris has been working for Brosix for more than 4 years, and always gives valuable tips and advice to our readers.